Community Champion: Shawn J. Goffer
Although an accountant by profession, Community Champion Shawn J. Goffer’s mission goes far beyond numbers – she leads a movement to shift mindsets, build confidence, and inspire lasting change through financial wellness education. Her belief is that when people understand money, they unleash the power to transform their lives and create sustainable success.
As a community advocate and champion, Shawn shows us every day how people working together can make a powerful difference for good. Her leadership and partnership-building skill is underscored by her personal empathy, expertise, and true caring for the well-being of her community members.
Personal Statement
For over 25 years, I’ve dedicated my life to empowering individuals and communities through financial education and economic development. With a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a deep-rooted passion for service, I’ve built training and apprenticeship programs for Accounting Technicians, Accounting Specialists, and Enrolled Agent Tax Consultants through Gabriel’s Shift Global Impact Center, Inc. Our programs are designed to teach financial literacy from Pre-K through post-retirement, because we believe financial wellness is a lifelong journey – not a one-time lesson. My professional experience has shaped my understanding of financial systems, but it’s my passion for helping people transform their lives through financial knowledge that drives everything I do.
Years ago, while working for a Community Development Corporation focused on affordable housing, I attended one of their one-day homebuyer workshops. The room was filled with hopeful families – some with children in tow, others clutching folders of paperwork, all eager to take the next step toward homeownership. As I listened, I felt a growing sense of concern. The workshop was too brief, and the information too shallow. I could see it clearly: at least 30% of the attendees, if they managed to purchase a home, would likely face foreclosure within three years – not because they lacked motivation, but because they lacked financial literacy. The realization was sobering. The quiet shuffle of chairs and the hopeful chatter at the end of the session couldn’t mask the urgency I felt.
That moment became a turning point in my life.
Determined to make a difference, I founded Gabriel’s Shift Global Impact Center, Inc. with a mission to bridge the gap between opportunity and preparedness. I earned my Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI) certification through the National Financial Educators Council (NFEC), and began teaching financial literacy in afterschool care facilities. I wanted to reach children early – before financial habits were formed – and continue that education through adulthood and into retirement. I’ve seen firsthand how financial knowledge can transform lives, and I’ve made it my mission to ensure that no one is left behind simply because they weren’t taught how money works.
Being part of this financial wellness campaign allows me to expand the reach of our work and collaborate with others who share the same vision. It’s a platform that helps me fulfill my personal mission while contributing to a larger movement of change. Together, we’re building a future where financial literacy is not a privilege – it’s a right. And I’m honored to be part of that transformation.
Community Champion: Shawn J. Goffer
Shawn J. Goffer shows her devotion to the financial wellness movement in multiple ways – from presenting fun, interactive coursework; to forging strategic community partnerships; to participating on the Tennessee Financial Educators Council Advisory Board. Her hard work and dedication are being noticed.
Through her championship and advocacy, Tennessee communities are becoming stronger and more financially sustainable. In collaboration with the TFEC, Shawn is making strides toward empowering lasting change. On behalf of the Tennessee Council, we extend Shawn J. Goffer a heartfelt “thank you.”
